Immigrant Visas (IV)

Visa Types for Permanent Immigrants

In general, any applicant for an immigrant visa must be the beneficiary of an approved petition. Certain applicants such as priority workers, investors, certain special immigrants, and diversity immigrants can petition on their own behalf. All other intending immigrants must have a relative or potential employer petition for them in the United States.

Once The National Visa Center has completed its processing of applicants’ petition and forwarded it to the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, applicants are expected to read and follow all Interview Preparation Instructions located on the Department of State’s web site at:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_1335.html

Additionally, the Diversity Visa Program provides a certain number of permanent resident visas annually. These visas are drawn from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. For more information, please click on the "Diversity Visa Program" link to the right.

Immigrant visas are processed on an appointment basis.  At the time of the interview, the applicant should be present in front of a consular officer.  A child can be accompanied by a legal representative or a legal guardian, but no other assistants are permitted in the Embassy at the time of interview.   After the visa is approved, the applicant will be given instruction to collect the visa the next day. Post also processes third-country nationals if they have legal status in Ethiopia.

Medical Exams

Medical examinations are required for all immigrant visa applicants.  Individuals must go to one of our approved panel physicians. 

I-130 Petitions

The Consular Section will accept I-130 petitions from American Citizens who have resided in Ethiopia for at least six months and who intend to continue their residence in Ethiopia. Please visit the American Citizen Service window for more details.